A new walking trail has been created around Greater Manchester to celebrate the spring blossom – and it’s going to be absolutely beautiful.
This is the time of year where nature puts on its most dazzling displays, with pink and white flowers blooming on trees across the UK, with (hopefully) a background of blue skies and sunshine.
And in 2023, the National Trust is shining a spotlight on Manchester, where green spaces are more plentiful than you might think.
The charity has created a 30-stop Bloomtown trail all around the city centre and beyond where you can soak in the prettiest of springtime scenes.
From the famous purple blooms in St Peter’s Square to the showers of blossom in Alexandra Park to the clouds of pink in Sackville Gardens.
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Some of the city’s newest spots are included on the trail too, including, notably, the Castlefield Viaduct.
Blossom on Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
This abandoned old industrial beast has just recently been turned into a new urban skypark by the National Trust, drawing comparisons to New York City’s High Line.
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The Castlefield Viaduct is now home to 63 small-but-might Fuji Cherry trees, which are already bursting in bloom.
Also new to the city is Mayfield Park, the huge project which saw the River Medlock uncovered and a new green space created. The site is home to a huge variety of flowering trees and is about to celebrate its first spring since opening to the public.
Blossom will also return to Sadler’s Yard for the first time in centuries, as Plant NOMA and the National Trust create a pop-up display as an homage to the orchard believed to once be here.
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Other highlights to seek out will be Angel Meadow (formerly a mass grave), Cutting Room Square (with great bars around it too), and Manchester Cathedral (with 250,000 bees living on its roof).
The National Trust says that blossom is at its best in Manchester in April (but ‘no one tells nature what to do’) so now is the perfect time to start planning your adventure.
You’ll be looking out for cherry blossom, apple and crab apple blossom, hawthorn blossom, Rowan blossom, magnolia, and foxgloves.
The National Trust ‘Bloomtown’ blossom trail around Manchester
Alexandra Park
Angel Meadow
Ardwick Green
Birchfields Park
Birley Community Orchard
Bridgewater Community Garden
Castlefield Viaduct
Cutting Room Square
Gartside Gardens
Hullard Park
Hulme Park
Manchester Cathedral
Mayfield Park
Ordsall Hall
Parsonage Gardens
Peel Park
Philips Park
Platt Fields Park
Queen’s Park
Rochdale Canal Lock 87
Rochdale Canal Lock 89
Sackville Gardens
Sadler’s Yard
St George’s Park
St John’s Gardens
St Peter’s Square
Tariff Street
Thomas Street Pocket Park
University of Manchester Students’ Union
Whitworth Street West
Featured image: The Manc Group
Travel & Tourism
Transport Secretary commits to ‘transformational’ rail deal with Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The Transport Secretary has signed a ‘transformational’ rail deal for Greater Manchester.
The Government has formally agreed to work with Greater Manchester and Mayor Andy Burnham on plans for a new railway connecting Liverpool and Manchester, via Warrington, as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).
The new Liverpool-Manchester line is said to underpin the Northern Growth Corridor – which is a bold strategy to drive growth from the Mersey to the Pennines, stretching into Yorkshire, Lancashire, North Wales, and beyond – with a key connection at Manchester Airport.
Local analysis has suggested that the new line could generate around £90 billion in additional revenue by 2040.
Also, as part of the major investment of up to £45 billion – which was announced a couple of weeks back, and is tipped to transform rail travel across the North – the Government has also said it will work with Greater Manchester partners to explore an underground option at Manchester Piccadilly station, recognising its potential as a ‘catalyst for growth’.
Local leaders say they are keen to demonstrate how an underground station could turn Piccadilly into a ‘Kings Cross of the North’.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met with Mayor Andy Burnham last week to sign the formal agreement.
The agreement recognises the potential for an underground solution at Manchester Piccadilly, while also acknowledging the need for further ‘testing’ to make sure it will deliver value for money, and additionally sets out how the Government will work with Greater Manchester on the wider NPR scheme – which will be delivered in three stages, with the Liverpool-Manchester line to be built in the second phase.
The Transport Secretary has committed to a ‘transformational’ rail deal with Greater Manchester / Credit: TfGM (Supplied)
A formal review of the underground option at Manchester Piccadilly is to be lead by local leaders and senior civil servants.
“I’ve strengthened this Government’s clear and unwavering commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail by signing an agreement with Mayor Burnham on the next steps for transforming connectivity in Greater Manchester,” explained Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“With a new line between Manchester and Liverpool at the heart of our plans, alongside new stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, we will unlock new opportunities, more jobs and more housing for thousands of people.
“By providing early clarity on scope and phasing, we are giving Greater Manchester the certainty it needs to plan ahead and unlock the full economic and social benefits for its people.”
Featured Image – GMCA
Travel & Tourism
10 places you can fly to from Manchester for last-minute winter sun, from just £30 return
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Airport has done the hard work of planning your escape a little easier again, sharing a list of 10 places you can fly to for a bit of last-minute winter sun.
The airport has selected destinations that involve plenty of vitamin D, beaches, and warm seas, even at this time of year.
And the best bit is that return flights start from just £30 per person.
The list of 10 winter sun escapes from Manchester covers everything from classic holiday destinations like the Canary islands, as well as more far-flung adventures.
There’s even a brand-new route to Thailand on the cards.
So here are 10 last-minute winter sun escapes from Manchester Airport to help you beat those January blues.
Tenerife
You can fly to Tenerife from just £30 from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Fausto Garcia Menendez
It’s one of Britain’s favourite holiday destinations, thanks to its reliable sunshine year-round and family-friendly attractions like the gigantic Siam Park water park.
In January and February, temperatures sit around the low- to mid-twenties, which feels practically roasting compared to the UK, and there’s not a lot of rain to worry about either.
Younger travellers might want to head to Playa de las Americas for the nightlife, but there’s bags of things to do for families and for those looking for a quieter winter holiday too.
Fly with Ryanair from only £30pp*.
Fuerteventura
All the climate wins of Tenerife, but generally a little quieter, Fuerteventura is another great place to jet off to for some winter sun.
The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so if you love nature and outdoors adventures, you’ll love it here.
It’s a paradise for marine and desert habitats – and outstanding beaches to unwind on once you’re done exploring too.
Fly with Ryanair from only £32pp*.
Paphos
Paphos offers a winter sun escape from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Datingjungle
Cyprus has a very Brit-friendly climate in the off-season, with temperatures in the high teens but with plenty of sunshine.
It’s much quieter (and cheaper) now than it is in the heat of the summer months, but the slightly cooler weather makes it the perfect time to explore the island’s great outdoors and historic sites.
Visit the ruins of Ancient Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings, then refuel on souvlaki and seafood.
Fly with Ryanair from only £38pp*.
Agadir
This has become a hotspot for tourists visiting Morocco, thanks to its pleasant year-round climate, wide beach, and seafront strips of restaurants and cafes.
In January, temperatures reach about 22 degrees, but it gets a little warmer than that as we head into February and March – you might just manage a day on the beach.
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There’s also the Museum of Arts, which explores the surrounding region’s Berber heritage, and a visit to the Souk El Had market will let you practice your haggling skills.
Fly with Ryanair from only £49pp*.
Sal
Cape Verde is another firm favourite for winter sun from Manchester, with a similar climate to the Canary Islands (it’s just a little south of them).
Sal is an island that’s part of the African nation, but almost has a Caribbean vibe.
Expect colonial architecture, waterfront barbecues, and palm tree-lined beaches.
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Fly with easyJet from only £134pp*.
Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Credit: Unsplash, Karine Avetisyan
Sharm el Sheikh is the most famous and popular resort of Egypt’s bustling Red Sea coastline, and January is a great month to visit.
There’s comfortable temperatures around the low- to mid-twenties, blazing winter sun, and clear skies (though it does get chilly in the evening, it’s nothing like the Manchester weather).
This place is paradise for scuba diving and snorkelling too, with incredible diverse reefs just off the shore.
Fly with easyJet from only £237pp*.
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Montego Bay
Montego Bay in Jamaica. Credit: Unsplash, ROMAIN TERPREAU
Now we’re getting serious about our winter sun suggestions, and getting a long way from Manchester.
Montego Bay is Jamaica’s most-loved beach resort, with year-round temperatures of around 30 degrees and a gorgeous Caribbean atmosphere.
It’s the dry season right now, which means you can make the most of those white sands, turquoise waters, and mouthwatering food.
Fly with TUI from only £363pp*.
Cancun
Previously tarnished as being a Spring Break destination for American students seeking a wild party, Cancun has developed a more family-orientated reputation in recent years.
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There are more than 60 miles of golden sands in the surrounding Riviera Maya, plus water parks, historic sites like Chichen Itza, and amazing natural landscapes.
As for the weather – temperatures in January and February are similar to what you’d find in the Mediterranean in the height of summer. Toasty.
Fly with TUI from only £433pp*.
Bangkok
You can fly direct to Bangkok from Manchester and access Southern Thailand for witner sun. Credit: Unsplash, Sumit Chinchane
This is a brand-new direct route for Manchester Airport, with flights whizzing passengers straight to Bangkok for some winter sun.
We’re now linked to the world’s most-visited city, which is a vibrant and busy hub with great food and cultural wonders.
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But it also acts as a gateway to the islands and beaches of Southern Thailand, including Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
Fly with Norse from only £598pp*.
Dubai
Dubai offers winter sun from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Christopher Moreno Stokoe
It’s a lot of people’s dream destination (and a lot of people’s worst nightmare), but you can’t deny the weather in Dubai is pretty tempting at this time of year.
The impressive high-rise city also has some amazing white-sand beaches, and temperatures in the mid-twenties in January and February.
You can also escape into the nearby desert for a day in a 4×4 safari.
Daisy Jackson -
6th April 2023 
